Winter Call of Sonoran Desert
I now live in the Arizona highlands pinyon-juniper habitat of Sedona; but I am a Native of the Sonoran Desert. And in winter, I yearn for these sere desert landscapes.
Sonoran Desert in winter.
Desert’s hard edge of the glaring summer sun and heat soften in winter.
Sparse gravelly ground is a pallet of dramatic long shadow etchings. I notice the sharp, clean smell of desert gravelly soil. I breathe in scent wafts from aromatic plants whose oils release in the winter moisture.
Paradoxically these prickly, spiky sere plant-scapes are dense with the life-filled presence of wintering birds. I hear throaty long calls of the cactus wren and soothing contented cuckling murmurs of the quail. This takes me deeper into a reverie with the rhythm of the desert.
How I love the Gambel quail (this one is a male), a familiar friend in the Sedona area too.
I slow down and focus on details of the surprising variety of plant life. Suddenly, the abundance of life in this harsh aridity comes into stark relief. I hone my appreciation.
Desert garden in winter flowering by Sandra Cosentino
For a few timeless moments, there is no time. I am simply here now in communion with life expressed as Desert.
And emotions which had been percolating beneath the surface, find release here in the sharp edges of the winter desert.
An inner peace walks with me as I meander out of the garden.
Palo Verdes not yet in leaf make shapely shadow patterns in this tranquil desert setting by Sandra Cosentino.
The Desert Botanical Garden next to Papago Peaks in Phoenix is particularly enjoyable in the fall – spring season. From here, it is 2 hours drive to Sedona to enjoy the open canyon vistas, nature walks and hikes.
Desert Meander article by Sandra Cosentino
Related Nature Experiences in Sedona:
- Earth and Sky Speak to Us outdoor nature awareness seminar
- Earth-Spirit Seminar: Honoring Ways to Connect With the Living Earth outdoor seminar